Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania
Visiting Promised Land State Park
What to know, what to do, and where to stay nearby.
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Promised Land State Park sits on over 3,000 acres of forest, lakes, and trails in the heart of the Pocono Mountains. It is one of the most accessible and rewarding outdoor destinations in northeastern Pennsylvania — and it happens to be less than five minutes from Ferncrest Promised Land, making it the perfect home base for a trip here.
What to Do
Everything Promised Land State Park has to offer
The park is anchored by two lakes — Promised Land Lake and Lower Lake — both offering swimming beaches, kayak and canoe rentals, and excellent shoreline fishing. Whether you want to paddle across glassy morning water or spend an afternoon on the sand with your kids, the lakes are the centerpiece of the experience.
Over 50 miles of trails wind through the park, ranging from flat, beginner-friendly loops to longer ridge hikes with views of the surrounding forest canopy. The Bruce Lake Natural Area trail is a local favorite — a moderate out-and-back that leads to a secluded glacial lake with no development in sight.
Beyond the trails and lakes, the park offers picnic pavilions, a small nature center, and some of the best bird watching in the Poconos. It is common to spot herons, bald eagles, and hawks along the waterways. In winter, the trails stay open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Why It's Worth the Trip
More than a pin on the map.
Promised Land State Park is the kind of place that reminds you why you wanted to get outside in the first place. There is no rush here. No crowds. Just forest, water, and trails that feel like they belong to you. It is close enough to feel effortless but wild enough to feel like a real escape. For families, couples, and friend groups staying at Ferncrest, it turns a glamping trip into something bigger — a full outdoor experience anchored by one of the best state parks in Pennsylvania.
Seasonal Guide
Best time to visit Promised Land State Park
Spring
Wildflowers bloom along the trails and the lakes begin to thaw. It is a quieter time to visit with cooler temperatures, ideal for hiking without crowds. The park typically opens swimming areas in late May.
Summer
Peak season. Swimming beaches are open, kayak and canoe rentals are available daily, and the trails are lush and green. Arrive early on weekends to secure a good spot at the lake.
Fall
The Poconos are known for spectacular fall foliage, and Promised Land State Park is one of the best places to see it. Expect peak color from late September through mid-October. Trails are less crowded and the air is crisp.
Winter
The park stays open year-round. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking are popular. The frozen lake and snow-covered pines create a quiet, beautiful landscape.
Frequently asked questions
Where to Stay
Stay at Ferncrest Promised Land
2.5 miles from the property
Ferncrest Promised Land is just 2.5 miles from the park entrance — a five-minute drive. After a day of hiking trails and paddling lakes, you return to a comfortable dome tent with a real bed, fire pit, and hot tub waiting for you. It is the kind of stay that makes the outdoors feel effortless: nature by day, comfort by night. No tent setup, no roughing it — just a thoughtfully designed glamping experience steps from one of the best state parks in Pennsylvania.
